Korean for Intermediate Learners: Proposing a Formal Toast in Public
Learn to give a short, formal toast in Korean using polite -겠습니다 and appropriate set phrases for public occasions.
By PookieFriends & plans · Yapr Learn
In Korean public settings such as weddings, company dinners, or formal gatherings, proposing a toast is a brief, formal speech. Unlike celebrating a personal achievement, a toast is directed at a group and often uses the humble polite ending -겠습니다. This lesson teaches you a short toast structure: opening, thanking or acknowledging, proposing the toast, and closing. You will learn set phrases and how to adjust politeness for different audiences.
By the end, you can…
- propose a toast in formal Korean using -겠습니다.
- use appropriate set phrases for public occasions.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
건배를 제안하겠습니다.
I would like to propose a toast.
geonbae-reul jean-haget-seumnida
Formal and polite; use when addressing a group in a public setting.
여러분의 건강을 위하여!
To everyone's health!
yeoreobun-ui geongang-eul wihayeo
Common toast phrase; '여러분' means everyone, '위하여' means for the sake of.
오늘 이 자리를 빛내 주셔서 감사합니다.
Thank you for gracing this occasion today.
oneul i jarireul bitnae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida
Formal gratitude; use at the beginning of a toast to acknowledge attendees.
잔을 들어 주시기 바랍니다.
Please raise your glasses.
janeul deureo jusigi baramnida
Polite request; '바랍니다' is a formal way to say 'please'.
건배!
Cheers!
geonbae
Said while raising your glass; can be repeated by the group.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The ending -겠습니다 expresses a polite intention or proposal. Attach it to a verb stem: 제안하다 (to propose) becomes 제안하겠습니다 (I would like to propose). Similarly, 말씀드리다 (to say humbly) becomes 말씀드리겠습니다 (I would like to say). This pattern is essential for formal speeches because it softens the statement and shows respect to the audience. For example: 건배를 제안하겠습니다 (I would like to propose a toast).
When to use it
Use this toast structure at public, formal events such as weddings, retirement parties, or company dinners. It differs from celebrating a personal achievement, which might be more casual and self-focused. A toast is directed at others and often includes gratitude. For instance, at a wedding: 신랑 신부의 앞날을 축복합니다 (I bless the future of the bride and groom). At a company dinner: 여러분의 노고에 감사드립니다 (I thank you for your hard work).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
여러분, 잠시 주목해 주시기 바랍니다.
Everyone, please pay attention for a moment.yeoreobun, jamsi jumokhae jusigi baramnida네, 말씀하세요.
Yes, please go ahead.ne, malsseumhaseyo오늘 이 자리를 빛내 주셔서 감사합니다. 건배를 제안하겠습니다.
Thank you for gracing this occasion today. I would like to propose a toast.oneul i jarireul bitnae jusyeoseo gamsahamnida. geonbae-reul jean-haget-seumnida건배!
Cheers!geonbaeA little context goes a long way
In Korean culture, toasts are often brief and may include a moment of silence or a short speech. The person proposing the toast usually stands and may bow slightly. Using formal language shows respect, especially to elders or superiors. Avoid overly casual phrases like '짠' (jjan) in formal settings; it is used among close friends.
One thing to watch for
Using the casual '건배하자' (geonbae-haja) in a formal toast.
Try this instead: Use the polite formal '건배를 제안하겠습니다' (geonbae-reul jean-haget-seumnida) instead. The casual form is for friends only.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'I would like to propose a toast' in formal Korean?
Show a sample answer
건배를 제안하겠습니다.
This uses the polite ending -겠습니다 to express intention. Other variations like '건배를 제안드립니다' are also possible but less common.
2What phrase would you use to thank attendees for coming?
Show a sample answer
오늘 이 자리를 빛내 주셔서 감사합니다.
This is a formal way to thank people for attending. You could also say '와 주셔서 감사합니다' but it is slightly less formal.
3How do you say 'Please raise your glasses' politely?
Show a sample answer
잔을 들어 주시기 바랍니다.
'주시기 바랍니다' is a formal request. '잔을 들어 주세요' is also correct but less formal.
For a formal toast, use -겠습니다 and set phrases like '건배를 제안하겠습니다' and '여러분의 건강을 위하여'. Keep it brief and polite.
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